Physical fitness of elite women's rugby union players over a ...
Physical fitness of elite women's rugby union players over a ... Physical fitness of elite women's rugby union players over a ...
hypothesised there would be a significant improvement physical fitness. Of the measured physical fitness characteristics, there was significant improvement in anthropometric characteristics and no significant changes in 1 RM bench press, pull-ups, vertical jump height, push-ups and predicted aerobic power. However, a significant decrease in sprint times over the same period. Based on these findings, when developing training programs for elite women’s rugby union players, strength and conditioning staff should consider incorporating skills based conditioning games with an additional resistance training session. It was hypothesised that the improved physical fitness levels during the pre-season would be maintained as the season progresses. The data supports the researcher’s finding in that the physical fitness characteristics remained constant. However, the sprint significantly increased for both positional groups. The importance of the coaches ensuring that player’s fitness levels are maintained whilst on-field performance is not compromised are reinforced by these results. 5.6 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH Based on the experience gained and findings from the present study, further research to determine physical fitness requirements between forwards ( front row, locks and loose forwards) and between backs (inside and outside backs) at female U/16, U/20 and senior level would assist in the development of normative data in order to facilitate talent selection and development. 96
The current study has described the changes in physical fitness of elite women’s rugby union players during a season. With a greater number of international games being played, a study quantifying the training and match loads and injury rates for comparison with the physical fitness changes during a season could assist coaches the designing of physical fitness training programs and or modifying the current testing protocol. 97
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- Page 81 and 82: 40m speed (sec) 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 * * *
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- Page 85 and 86: Pull ups 10 8 6 4 2 * * Forwards Ba
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- Page 89 and 90: CHAPTER 5 DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AN
- Page 91 and 92: Cup (Schick et al., 2006). Attentio
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- Page 95 and 96: likelihood of injury during a train
- Page 97 and 98: can be possibly attributed to a gre
- Page 99 and 100: provide a good measure of the upper
- Page 101 and 102: mid-season, which performed 12 and
- Page 103 and 104: A reasonably high aerobic fitness l
- Page 105 and 106: these two broad positional groups h
- Page 107: physical fitness, it may also be ac
- Page 111 and 112: Baker, D. and Nance, S. (1999). The
- Page 113 and 114: Crewther, B.T., Gill, N., Weatherby
- Page 115 and 116: Ellis, L., Gastin, P., Lawrence, S.
- Page 117 and 118: Hrysomallis, C. (2010). Upper body
- Page 119 and 120: Maud, P.J. (1983). Physiological an
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- Page 123 and 124: Spencer, M., Bishop, D., Dawson, B.
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hypothesised there would be a significant improvement physical <strong>fitness</strong>. Of the measured<br />
physical <strong>fitness</strong> characteristics, there was significant improvement in anthropometric<br />
characteristics and no significant changes in 1 RM bench press, pull-ups, vertical jump height,<br />
push-ups and predicted aerobic power. However, a significant decrease in sprint times <strong>over</strong><br />
the same period. Based on these findings, when developing training programs for <strong>elite</strong><br />
women’s <strong>rugby</strong> <strong>union</strong> <strong>players</strong>, strength and conditioning staff should consider incorporating<br />
skills based conditioning games with an additional resistance training session.<br />
It was hypothesised that the improved physical <strong>fitness</strong> levels during the pre-season would be<br />
maintained as the season progresses. The data supports the researcher’s finding in that the<br />
physical <strong>fitness</strong> characteristics remained constant. However, the sprint significantly increased<br />
for both positional groups. The importance <strong>of</strong> the coaches ensuring that player’s <strong>fitness</strong> levels<br />
are maintained whilst on-field performance is not compromised are reinforced by these<br />
results.<br />
5.6 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH<br />
Based on the experience gained and findings from the present study, further research to<br />
determine physical <strong>fitness</strong> requirements between forwards ( front row, locks and loose<br />
forwards) and between backs (inside and outside backs) at female U/16, U/20 and senior level<br />
would assist in the development <strong>of</strong> normative data in order to facilitate talent selection and<br />
development.<br />
96
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